Fishery Improvement Projects provide a platform for fishermen, seafood buyers and suppliers to develop a strategy to improve a specific fishery by considering better policies and management over a given time period. Engagement in a FIP allows producers and processors access markets which demand sustainability and environmental credentials. The aim of a FIP is to improve sustainability within a fishery and progress to certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

Fisheries need a high level of organisation and funding to meet the rigor of international fishery sustainability standards. A FIP provides a starting point to organise participants in a fishery to ultimately achieve certification to international fishery based sustainability standards.